Back-to-school season brings financial and logistical pressure to families

The back-to-school season presents significant financial and organizational challenges for families globally. In the United States, the National Retail Federation reports that families plan to spend nearly $864 on elementary and high school supplies, while college students' expenses approach $1,440. To manage these costs, experts suggest utilizing retail loyalty programs and rewards credit cards.

Beyond finances, the transition to a new school year is a major source of stress. An Ipsos survey for Pluxee indicates that nearly half of parents find the start of the school year stressful due to the sudden shift in household routines and the need to coordinate work, transport, and extracurricular activities. In the Czech Republic, similar findings highlight that the logistical burden often extends late into the evening for parents.

Educational shifts are also occurring, with schools increasingly implementing technology policies regarding laptops, AI, and smartphone use. Meanwhile, in Portugal, consumer organizations like DECO advise families to prepare budgets in advance and use detailed shopping lists to mitigate the impact of seasonal price pressures.